April 2 – World War I: President Woodrow Wilson asks the U.S. Congress for a declaration of war on Germany. April 6 – An explosion in Chester, Pennsylvania kills 133. May 18 – World War I: The Selective Service Act passes the U.S. Congress, giving the President the power of conscription.
The mayor-council form of city government merges executive and legislative functions in a single group of officials. This is common in lots of smaller towns.
